| Wednesday, December 6, 2023
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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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Attendance Gains – I'm thrilled to share that chronic absenteeism in RPS has decreased from a pandemic high of 37% to 18%. While we still have a long way to go, we're reducing chronic absenteeism three times as fast as the state overall! All the credit goes to our incredibly hard-working educators, family liaisons, and, of course, our families. PLEASE read this article. It vividly demonstrates how RPS is so much more than an education system. We're also one of the largest providers in the city of healthcare, social work, food, clothing, counseling, transportation, recreation, childcare, and so much more. Enormous gratitude to RTD reporter Anna Bryson for sharing this important story.
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National Unified Champion Schools – As we celebrate Inclusive Schools Week, I'm thrilled to share that River City MS and Huguenot HS have received national recognition as Unified Champion Schools by the Special Olympics. As Unified Champion Schools, they have consistently demonstrated their commitment to inclusion by meeting all 10 standards of excellence. These include sponsoring Unified Sports (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), building an Inclusive Youth Leadership Club, and offering Whole School Engagement activities geared around inclusion. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
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Scholar Athletes – Please join me in congratulating RPS Scholar Athletes of the Month: Toni Goodwin from Armstrong HS and Tony Allen, Jr. from Richmond Community HS. Toni plays the libero position for the Wildcats and led the team this year in digs! Senior quarterback Tony Allen gained 3,207 total yards, scored 38 touchdowns, and received six interceptions, helping to lead the Armstrong Wildcats to a historic season. Congratulations!
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2024-25 School Applications – The deadline for families to submit open enrollment applications and applications to the Governor's STEM Academy for CTE at RTC for the 2024-25 school year is February 1, 2024, at 4:30 pm.
A few important notes:
- We unfortunately cannot accept late applications for any reason. Please plan accordingly.
- As long as your application is submitted before the deadline, the timing of your submission will have no impact on the outcome.
- If you have additional questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
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Girls for a Change – Girls for a Change recently launched several exciting new initiatives to make career pathways more accessible for young women of color. Registration is free for RPS students and transportation is available. To register, visit their website or scan the QR code below with your phone's camera. For more information, please email or call Ashley Ray at 813-335-8448.
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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| Shout-Outs – Please help us continue to inspire and uplift the RPS community by submitting shout-outs to shoutouts@rvaschools.net. Entries can be submitted in Spanish or English!
- I'd like to shout-out Alan from the Enrollment team for all of his last minute help with high school applications. He was not only patient and kind, but he was able to solve every issue that came up! Thank you, Alan, from the bottom of my heart!
- I'd like to shout-out Lynn Plevich, coordinator of gifted programs for RPS! She was instrumental in helping get all of our applications in on time. I am so grateful for her time and expertise! Thank you so much, Lynn!
- I'd like to shout-out Ms. McZeal and Mr. Morgan, physical education teachers at T.C. Boushall Middle School, for participating in the "quiet olympics" this week! I hope you and your students had half as much fun as I did! You guys are the best
- We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Ms. Gray and Ms. Wiggins for transporting the 4th graders of Southampton Elementary for our first field trip of the school year. Both ladies went above and beyond to ensure that our students were comfortable and safely arrived to and from our destination. It was such a pleasure to meet you both and thank you again for going above and beyond in your willingness to assist us today.
- Many heartfelt thanks to Bobby Hathaway, Floyd Miles, and Dana Fox for getting my team new shoes! We are ready to visit our students and staff.
- A special thank you to Dylan Stoskus, PE teacher at Lois Harrison-Jones ES, for the extra support for our student and great communication regarding their progress.
- A huge shout-out to all the middle school counselors and school support teams that helped our 8th graders complete their Specialty School and Governor's School applications this year! Your efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated! Thank you!
- Congratulations to Huguenot HS, which was recently recognized for achieving National Banner Recognition for being an inclusive school. Let's applaud them for being the first high school within RPS to achieve this national award. We are incredibly proud of the administration, students and faculty as they continue to create an environment of meaningful inclusion! Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the Huguenot Unified Leadership Team: Dr. Massa, Mrs. Yolande Williams, AD Farquharson, Coach Cooper, Coach Braxton, our MC, Mrs. Slade, Ms. Glass, the exceptional education team, and all those who played a role and supported this celebration. Thank you sincerely for making a difference!
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- The Richmond Visual Arts Center partnered with the Richmond Virtual Academy 3rd grade team Baber and Janacone, along with Art Teacher Carreras, for a magnificent event. Alongside their parents, our students had the opportunity to tour the museum and create their very own individual art. What an amazing experience! Without true love this event would not have come into fruition. Thank you!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| Energy Assistance – Winter is quickly approaching and we want to make sure all families are prepared for the cold temperatures. Please remember that Dominion Energy has payment programs to assist families experiencing financial hardship. For a full list of Dominion Energy customer assistance options, visit their website or call 866-366-4357.
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
- Anyone needing help to pay heating bills may qualify for assistance
- Not income-based
- Individuals 60 and older, military veterans, and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance
- Offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from October 1 through May 31
- For more information, visit Virginia 211
Extended Payment Plans
- Extended payment plans to assist customers who have fallen behind on their electric bills
- Eligible customers can make a 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over 6 months (sign-in to your Dominion Energy account online to apply)
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| Teen Summit RVA – High school students, this one's for you! Mark your calendars for the 2024 Teen Summit RVA leadership conference on February 24. This year's theme – "I Am" – is all about the power of self-affirmation. Registration is free and opens on January 15. To receive event updates, please be sure to complete the interest form.
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| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
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